NEWS SPECIAL REPORT
Silversea’s newly refurbished expedition ship, Silver Cloud, was put through its paces last week. Harry Kemble reports from Uruguay
‘Rejuvenated’: Silver Cloud
‘Super ship Silver Cloud is given a new lease of life’
The multimillion-pound refurbishment of Silver Cloud has extended the ship’s life by 10 years, according to the chairman of operator Silversea.
Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio said the ship needed to be updated to keep “loyal” customers sailing with the luxury cruise line. In August, Silver Cloud went into
drydock in the Palumbo shipyard in Malta for a $40 million revamp to transform it into a polar-class ship – one of four Silversea expedition vessels. Speaking to Travel Weekly on
Silver Cloud’s shakedown cruise from Montevideo to Buenos Aires, Lefebvre d’Ovidio said: “The refurbishment has given her a new life. The work we have done on this ship has extended her life by 10 years. “It is a rejuvenated ship not
only in looks, but how it is. It has increased its capabilities and can go everywhere in the world. It is a super ship. “Some loyal guests have told me
they love Silversea cruises because they love to travel in comfort, but
they had not seen many of the destinations they wanted to visit on Silversea itineraries. “Now they can go on a ship that can get them to new destinations
such as Antarctica.” Silver Cloud is now Silversea’s
largest expedition vessel, with capacity for 200 passengers. The ship has undergone several changes including the installation of thermal and sonar navigation equipment, the addition of 16 Zodiacs and the opening of a spa and photo studio. Lefebvre d’Ovidio said the market had “responded very
well” since Silver Cloud’s itineraries were announced. Following the shakedown cruise
Silver Cloud travelled to Antarctica via Ushuaia from Buenos Aires in Argentina. Lefebvre d’Ovidio revealed he
hoped to expand Silversea’s fleet to “at least 12” vessels. After signing a £277 million
contract with Fincantieri Shipyard in Italy the line has options to build two more 600-passenger ships. He said: “The reason why
we have an option is because our intention is to fulfil it. It is something we are looking to do.”
Silversea prefers to build but could buy
Silversea has not ruled out buying a smaller cruise line as it looks to grow the fleet to “at least 12 ships”. Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio said it was the wish of his
dying father, who previously owned Silversea. However, he said he would prefer to grow the fleet by building
ships rather than buying other companies or their vessels. “We can outgrow the market by building better ships and having
better marketing,” he said. “If something comes along and we think it is better to do this by acquisition, then maybe, but we cannot do everything.”
Russia, Nepal and Mongolia head for Couture Collection
Silversea is looking to expand its pre and post-cruise programme in Russia, Nepal and Mongolia. Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio and expeditions director Conrad Combrink will visit destinations in the three countries in May 2018 with American photographer Steve McCurry. If they are deemed suitable
they will be added to the line’s top-of-the-range Couture Collection, which was unveiled in October. It offers bespoke land and ocean ‘adventures’ for the most discerning travellers. Combrink confirmed
the Couture Collection’s deployment for 2019 would be finalised in the first half of 2018. He said: “The Couture
Collection is distinctly different from any pre or post-cruise programme other brands offer. “We think it is going to appeal to the market. We think it is a different approach.” Lefebvre d’Ovidio said: “We
want innovation – things that stimulate your curiosity and your interest to learn when you are on vacation.”
16
travelweekly.co.uk 23 November 2017
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
